The refreshed Volkswagen Polo Vivo debuted in South Africa, complete with a revised five-model line-up. Charlen Raymond drives the Polo Vivo 77 kW Life Tiptronic at the launch.
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The Volkswagen Vivo picked up where the erstwhile Citi Golf left off, filling VW’s local void for a budget-friendly city car. And it was a monumental success from the word ‘go’. Since its 2010 debut to date, more than 425 000 units sold locally, with the latest iteration of this Polo-based car earmarked for more success.
Related: (2024) Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.0 TSI GT Review
However, as with changing market conditions, the Polo Vivo’s list of competitors increased as more affordable models began flooding the market. To keep the car fresh and relevant in an ever-changing market, Volkswagen Group Africa gave the Polo Vivo a timely facelift. In addition to the changes being more pronounced, it also attempts to give the Vivo more of its own identity; stepping out of big brother’s shadow slightly.
Moreover, Volkswagen managed to keep pricing unchanged from the outgoing line-up.
Volkswagen Polo Vivo 1.6 77 kW Life Tiptronic Fast Facts
- Price: R320 200
- Powertrain: 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, petrol
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 77 kW @ 5 250 r/min
- Torque: 153 N.m @ 3 800 r/min
- Top speed: 188 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 6.6 L/100 km (claimed)
What’s new on the Volkswagen Polo Vivo?
Because the Polo Vivo is built locally, Volkswagen’s local arm went to great lengths to ensure the car adheres the to the brand’s stringent production requirements, while also meeting the standards expected from customers. As such, the test models were subjected to more than 100 000 km of testing (tar, gravel, adverse weather, etc.). But while the driving aspect is crucial, the automaker also ensured that the overall experience is up to expectation.
The infotainment system has been updated to now include a 9-inch Mirgor radio with four to six speakers (grade dependent) and App Connect. This system has been developed in conjunction with VW Argentina and is adapted from the multimedia system used in the (still first-gen) VW Amarok built in the country. It is standard across the facelifted Polo Vivo range, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are activated by cable.
Related: Updated Volkswagen Polo Vivo – Pricing and Specification
The seats are also new, with various designs and materials used for each grade (base (Vivo), Life, Style, and GT). New to the seats are front-side airbags, though it is standard on only the Style and GT models. In terms of safety, the refreshed line-up is kitted with active and passive safety features, including Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Hill Start Control (HSC) and remote central locking. The line-up is also available in solid (Ascot Grey and Pure White) and metallic (Reflex Silver, Reef Blue, Smokey Grey, and Wild Cherry Red) body paints.
Standard features on the Life models are body-coloured door handles, twin headlamps with integrated high beam, ‘halftone’ cloth seats, boot lighting, and 15-inch Ubomi Alloy wheels.
What is the updated Polo Vivo Life Tiptronic like to drive?
The Tiptronic model is the only automatic in the range, with all 77 Kw and 153 N.m channelled to the front wheels via a 6-speed unit. This torque converter cogs through its gears with ease, clicking over at opportune moments. The ‘box allows for manual changes and offers a Sport mode, with the latter holding onto a gear for longer before engaging the next.
Expectedly, the transmission can be noisy when fully engaging the throttle; cogging down a gear or two and the engine racing toward the redline. Driving calmly and not as you stole it will bring a much more refined experience to the fore. Drivers can adjust the steering wheel’s rake and reach, and the position of the driver seat.
The 15-inch wheels provide sufficient stability on the open road and there is satisfactory feedback from the front wheels to the driver’s hands. Though VW claims a fuel return of 6.6 L/100 km for the Tiptronic, we will put this claim to the test once a test car enters the media fleet.
What does the updated Polo Vivo range cost?
- Polo Vivo 1.4 55 kW manual – R266 600
- Polo Vivo 1.4 63 kW Life manual – R288 500
- Polo Vivo 1.6 77 kW Life Tiptronic – R320 200
- Polo Vivo 1.6 77 kW Style manual – R318 000
- Polo Vivo 1.0 TSI 81 kW GT manual – R356 000 (pictured below)
Pricing includes a 3-year/120 000 km warranty, though a service plan remains optional. At the time of writing, a 4-year/60 000 km service plan was priced at R13 086.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo may not be the cash-strapped consumer’s answer to affordable mobility as it once was. With the influx of cheaper cars flooding the A0 segment, the Polo Vivo has it all to play for as it looks to bargain on its 14-year market dominance.
As for the Life Tiptronic model, it shoulders a lot of responsibility. On the one hand, it must retain Vivo loyalists. On the other, it must win over potential buyers looking to make the step up from the lower end of the buying spectrum. Ultimately, the Polo Vivo is no longer the entry-level car it once was. It stepped up its game to steadily become a vehicle not hiding as much in the bigger Polo’s shadow.
